Erudition of Doyle: Volume One

CHAPTER 6: CASE II - THE SECRET OF ARTISAN EATS

Case 2: The Secret of Artisan
Eats (The Secrets Revealed
Chapter, Last Part)

ROSALINDA

"About John Martinez, he’s a lower member of the organization, right?" Raleigh asked, trying to remind Doyle of this detail.

"Based on what I know about the organization, John Martinez engaged in cannibalism because of his role," I answered. "The Herald Mortiferum has seven higher ranks, two upper higher ranks, and a leader, with over 112 lower-ranking members. According to a kidnapped child, Martinez follows orders from one of the three upper higher ranks, a woman who created the rules."

Raleigh sighed, disappointed. He expected the leader to be giving commands and setting rules; which in this case is Doyle, since he knows too much. He was trying to form theories but lacked enough details. It’s better to involve the police, since a young person shouldn’t handle such dangerous matters alone.

"But," he continued, "the woman ordered him to kidnap them. There must be a reason, right?" I looked down, pondering a theory.

Suddenly, three knocks came at the main door. We exchanged uneasy glances before leaving the room. Doyle opened it to find a smiling man standing there.

"You’ve finally found me."

"Mr. Doyle, please, let’s go home. Your mother is very worried about you."

"No, not until I close this case."

"Case?"

"Yep," he said, glancing briefly at us. "Let’s go, guys, let’s find Mrs. Liana’s daughter and the other children." Then he looked back at the man. "Mr. Butler, can you take us there? I’ll give you the location."

"But, Mr. Doyle—"

"Please!" The butler sighed and nodded, completely defeated, unable to argue.

We were now in Doyle’s car. He was shocked when his butler found him at his hideout, where he had been hiding from his family. The butler drove as we headed to the warehouse holding all the abducted children.

Before deciding to visit the warehouse, we went to Artisan Eats, but it was closed. The butler helped Raleigh kick open the back door, but no one was inside. While Doyle inspected the place, he noticed the restaurant, especially the kitchen and bathroom, was exceptionally clean. Earlier, Raleigh had mentioned a strong, unpleasant smell.

"Sir Doyle, please," the butler said, glancing in the rearview mirror at the boy sitting between me and Raleigh. Doyle was distracted, listening to mystery documentaries on his phone while solving a 12x12 Rubik’s cube. "Your parents are worried; your mother keeps crying and calling. You haven’t answered her calls or messages. Stop ignoring her and answer her now." He pleaded.

But Doyle ignored him.

The man sighed and asked, "Doyle, where are we going?"

"Microbar Warehouse."

"...Microbar Warehouse," he repeated.

Raleigh and I exchanged glances, unsure why Doyle wanted to go there. Based on John’s absence, I guessed he planned to confront the culprit. I didn’t know the exact plan, but we’d find out when we arrived.

We arrived at the warehouse. I was about to open the car door when the butler opened it for us with a smile. Raleigh, still trying to figure out how to get out, lagged behind.

"Hey, birdy-eyebrows, what are you doing there?" Doyle teased, laughing.

"Shut up, mighty mouse! Stop standing there and teach me!" Raleigh yelled, angrily getting out. The two exchanged sharp glares.